Nature is central to the Canadian identity, an immense source of pride, and foundational to ensuring healthy communities, a clean environment, and economic opportunities for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Facing a biodiversity crisis in which one in five assessed species in Canada is currently at risk, the Government of Canada is committed to action that protects and restores nature so we can live within a healthy environment that sustains prosperous livelihoods for future generations.
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the release of Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy and introduced an Act respecting transparency and accountability in relation to certain commitments Canada has made under the Convention on Biological Diversity (the Nature Accountability Bill).
The 2030 Nature Strategy lays out how Canada will implement the ambitious nature protection goals under the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework that were agreed upon at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal, in December 2022. This strategy defines clear areas of action and identifies what more is needed to build on the range of existing initiatives underway across Canada. This strategy follows extensive engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, businesses, citizen groups and more in recognition that nature conservation requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to succeed.
The Nature Accountability Bill will enshrine in legislation the Government of Canada's commitment to protect nature for future generations. The Bill establishes a requirement for the Government to develop a national nature strategy, like Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy, and report on its implementation, ensuring accountability and transparency which will help drive us collectively to reverse nature loss.
Together, the Bill and the Strategy provide a coordinated approach to efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Backed by over $12 billion in investments since 2015, the Government of Canada has led the largest campaign in Canadian history to support nature and nature-based climate solutions, with the goal of protecting 30 percent of land and water by 2030 and conserving species at risk, in full partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples.
The 2030 Nature Strategy will support building a nature-positive Canada to help us grow a clean, competitive, and resilient economy, attract investment, and position our companies and industries as global leaders.
